Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce has paid tribute to Sven Goran Eriksson for the way he has transformed Manchester City.

"You have to say well done to Sven," said Bruce. "Let's be fair, he's been much maligned in this country, for being the England manager basically, it goes with the territory.

"You look at his club record, it is second to none - and that's why he got the England job.

"He's put together a team very quickly. Granted, they've spent a bit of money, but which Premier League team hasn't? He's spent it wisely on really talented players.

"Petrov is the captain of Bulgaria, he's fantastic. Elano is one of Brazil's playmakers and we've seen what he can do already. They are playing with a confidence and a swagger and no fear.

"I've got mates who are Man City fans after having lived in that area and they are delighted with some of the football they've been playing.

"It's going to be a huge test for us against a team right bang in form at the top end of the table.

"We have to make sure the resilience we have shown in the past few weeks is there again.

"And let's go and enjoy the occasion. They're a big club, it's a great stadium, they've got great fans like ours - it's the kind of game you should look forward to."